Recomended Tubes and Tires

This is a long thread covering quite a length of time. Lot's of information here. I hope I have understood most of it, but I do have a couple of questions. First, I note that you recommend tubes with 48 mm valve stems. I find this particular length of stem difficult to source. So I am assuming I should go longer, not shorter. Is there a maximum length that you recommend?

Second, there has been a lot of discussion about tire size, with it being noted you tested with 700C x 23 mm. You recommend this over narrower tires. However, in my shopping for bikes today it appears 25 mm has become the more common stock tire. The thread has stated 25 mm will work, but I can't determine whether you think 23 mm is still better for your wheels. At one point you mentioned some possible future wind tunnel testing, but I guess that hasn't yet been completed. Any updates on 23 mm vs. 25 mm or any thoughts you might have?

pngscuba wrote:This is a long thread covering quite a length of time. Lot's of information here. I hope I have understood most of it, but I do have a couple of questions. First, I note that you recommend tubes with 48 mm valve stems. I find this particular length of stem difficult to source. So I am assuming I should go longer, not shorter. Is there a maximum length that you recommend?

We recommend the 48mm valve stems because they work the best with the Silca valve extenders that we supply. If you are using other valve extenders then you can use any combination of valve/extender you want. You'll want your total length for your 60s to be in the 80mm-90mm range and the total length for your 90s to be in the 100mm-110mm range.

Second, there has been a lot of discussion about tire size, with it being noted you tested with 700C x 23 mm. You recommend this over narrower tires. However, in my shopping for bikes today it appears 25 mm has become the more common stock tire. The thread has stated 25 mm will work, but I can't determine whether you think 23 mm is still better for your wheels. At one point you mentioned some possible future wind tunnel testing, but I guess that hasn't yet been completed. Any updates on 23 mm vs. 25 mm or any thoughts you might have?

The Continental GP 4000s II tires in a 23mm size are the fastest tires we have tested to date. The 25mm version will work really well on our wheels as well. That said, you'll want to make sure the wider 25mm tire fits in your frame. My Cannondale EVO cannot accept 25mm tires because they are too big for the stays, but the 23mm version fits perfectly. We have not yet taken a new trip to the tunnel but do plan on being there this year. We'll surely post our results as soon as they are ready.

I just ordered a set of 90/60's for my QR Kilo. I've been using Challenge open tubulars on the stock wheels and I really like them. Any insight on this "open tubular" style of clincher tire - Challenge Record, or Vittora Open Corsa with Flo wheels? Will they work with the wider rim width?

johnkropp wrote:I just ordered a set of 90/60's for my QR Kilo. I've been using Challenge open tubulars on the stock wheels and I really like them. Any insight on this "open tubular" style of clincher tire - Challenge Record, or Vittora Open Corsa with Flo wheels? Will they work with the wider rim width?

johnkropp,

I can't recommend a tubular tire for a clincher rim. I'd stick with the Continental GP4000s II tires.

I have been riding with Vittoria Rubino Pro III tires. Originally I used the 23cm tires, but it was darn near impossible to get those onto my Flo 60 or Flo 90. I took the wheels into my local bike shop to get help with the tires and they suggested that I use 25s instead. They put on the exact same tire in a 25 and it is much better. The ride seems a little smoother, the air pressure is lower, and it is now very easy to remove and install by hand if needed.

Toeknail wrote:I have been riding with Vittoria Rubino Pro III tires. Originally I used the 23cm tires, but it was darn near impossible to get those onto my Flo 60 or Flo 90. I took the wheels into my local bike shop to get help with the tires and they suggested that I use 25s instead. They put on the exact same tire in a 25 and it is much better. The ride seems a little smoother, the air pressure is lower, and it is now very easy to remove and install by hand if needed.

Just snagged myself a couple of Flo 60's, front and rear. This is my first pair of carbon wheels and quite frankly don't understand a lot about adjustments I need to make to my bike, so I have a few questions:

I normally ride with a couple of spare tubes (Continental 42 mm presta valve, 700 x 20-25cc), can I use this tubes with my new Flo's? Or do I need specific tubes for them?

I'm getting a couple of Silca Valve Extenders 34mm, courtesy of Flo. Do I need to buy an extra pair of extenders for my spare tubes or can I use the ones on the main tubes in case I get a flat mid-ride?

Are 23s better than 25s?

Last but not least, can anyone recommend a shop in Miami, Fl to have the wheels installed? I do my servicing at Bike Tech, but if there's a better option for wheel installing I'm more than willing to switch.

jamisfan2014 wrote:Just snagged myself a couple of Flo 60's, front and rear. This is my first pair of carbon wheels and quite frankly don't understand a lot about adjustments I need to make to my bike, so I have a few questions:

I normally ride with a couple of spare tubes (Continental 42 mm presta valve, 700 x 20-25cc), can I use this tubes with my new Flo's? Or do I need specific tubes for them?

Thanks for writing. Let's answer your questions. You can use these tubes but you will need extenders to fit through the 60s.

I'm getting a couple of Silca Valve Extenders 34mm, courtesy of Flo. Do I need to buy an extra pair of extenders for my spare tubes or can I use the ones on the main tubes in case I get a flat mid-ride?

You can resuse the ones on your main tubes if you flat.

Are 23s better than 25s?

Not better just different. Some frames won't accept a 25mm tire. I'd stick with the 23mm tires. They have proven to be faster on our wheels aerodynamically.

Last but not least, can anyone recommend a shop in Miami, Fl to have the wheels installed? I do my servicing at Bike Tech, but if there's a better option for wheel installing I'm more than willing to switch.

Sorry I don't know any shops in the Miami area. If you like your current shop I'd stick with them. Installing the wheels is fairly easy so they should be able to do it for you easily. If you'd like to give it a shot yourself you can follow our how to series on our site http://flocycling.com/howto.php.

Would tubes w/ 80mm valves work for both 60s and 90s? I understand the 90s would still need a extension, but would it not work with just a 34mm extension? That would allow both wheels to use the same tube and only need an extension on the rear. Would this not work?